Factors influencing moving costs from Spokane to Atlanta
What to know before moving from Spokane to Atlanta
Moving from Spokane to Atlanta comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Atlanta is generally more expensive than Spokane, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Spokane | Atlanta | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,450 | $1,900 |
Average home value | $375,614 | $388,167 |
Average income (per capita) | $60,801 | $66,107 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,556 | $3,134 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,270 | $7,822 |
Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 6.0% |
Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.9% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 5.49% |
- Rent prices in Atlanta are 31% higher than in Spokane, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Spokane.
Home prices in Atlanta are 3.3% higher than in Spokane. - Income in Atlanta is 8.7% higher than in Spokane, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Atlanta include Delta Air Lines, Emory University / Emory Healthcare, and The Home Depot.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Atlanta, since the cost of living for a single person in Atlanta is 22.6% higher than in Spokane. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Atlanta, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Atlanta is 24.8% higher than in Spokane.
- The unemployment rate in Atlanta is 9.09% lower than in Spokane.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Atlanta, since the cityโs sales taxes in Atlanta are 1.11% lower than in Spokane.
- State income taxes in Atlanta are 5.49% higher than in Spokane.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,678.40 in Atlanta to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Spokane.
How life is different in Spokane vs. Atlanta
Atlanta | Spokane | |
---|---|---|
Population | 498,715 | 593,466 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 6 |
Walkability score | 48 | 49 |
Bike friendliness score | 42 | 52 |
Crime Index | 64.23 | 3.0 |
Safety Index | 35.77 | 44.94 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Atlanta's population is about 16% less than Spokane.
- Atlanta's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Spokane's lower score of 6.
- Atlanta and Spokane are similarily walkable.
- Atlanta has a bike-friendliness score 42 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Spokane, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
- Atlanta's crime rate is higher than Spokane with a score of 64.23 compared to Spokane's 3.0. This means that Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Spokane neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Atlanta is considered to be less safe than Spokane with a score of 35.77 vs Spokane's 44.94.
- Air quality in Atlanta is moderate, and in Spokane it's good.
Other things to consider for your Spokane vs. Atlanta move
- Weather: Atlanta has hot summers and cool winters. It's unlikely that the weather will delay your move but prepare for the weather ahead of move day since moving typically requires spending many hours outdoors.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Georgia, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Georgia doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Atlanta without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Atlanta
With your sights set on "Atl", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Atlanta.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cabbagetown
- Inman Park
- Midtown
- Old Fourth Ward
- Virginia-Highland
Best neighborhoods for families
- Avondale Estates
- Druid Hills
- Inman Park
- Mountain Park
- North Decatur
Things to do in Atlanta
Now that you've made the move to Georgia, itโs the perfect time to explore Atlanta. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Atlanta, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, High Museum of Art, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Hammonds House Museum, and Atlanta History Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Sweetwater Creek State Park, Freedom Park, Stone Mountain Park, and Grant Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), or Atlanta United (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Spokane to Atlanta?
The best time to move from Spokane to Atlanta is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Spokane.
When is the cheapest time to move from Spokane to Atlanta?
Because most people are moving from Spokane to Atlanta in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Spokane to Atlanta take?
The 2,358-mile move from Spokane, WA, to Atlanta, GA, takes seven to 18 days. Some Spokane movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Atlanta.